Transitioning to Kindergarten

We believe early childhood education is key to life-long success. Our Catholic elementary schools offer an inclusive learning environment for children ages four and five.  Our Kindergarten program focuses on inquiry and play-based learning which contributes to the overall development of the child.

Watch our video to find out how are students become capable, confident and curious learners.

Four Areas of Learning in Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten Program is based on four broad learning areas:

• Belonging and Contributing;
• Self-Regulations and Well-Being;
• Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematic Behaviours; and
• Problem Solving and Innovating.

These areas focus on aspects of learning that are critical to your child's development.  They also reflect the integrated way in which your child will learn through play and inquiry in our classrooms.  To learn more about theses areas, visit the Ontario Ministry of Education. Adapted from The Kindergarten Program 2016 (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2016, p. 8)

Welcome to Kindergarten sessions

Our elementary schools hosted Welcome to Kindergarten sessions in April, May and June 2017. Key information regarding your child's transition into Kindergarten is available in our Welcome to Kindergarten guide. 

Child care arrangements

Plan your child care needs now for September 2017.  Learn more about our Child Care Centre and Before/After school programs. For additional information, email child care programs or call 905-576-6150 ext. 22172.

Registration requirements

Families are welcome to register children for our Kindergarten program at their local Durham Catholic school. Children must be turning 4 years of age by December 31, 2017 to register in Junior Kindergarten and 5 years of age for Senior Kindergarten. 

Find my local Catholic school

We invite you to find a Catholic school near you or call one of our Durham Catholic schools.

How to register for Kindergarten?

Kindergarten registration is from January 16 to 20, 2017. Follow the steps below to register your child in Kindergarten Year One. Children currently enrolled in Kindergarten Year One (Junior) at one of our schools for 2016-2017 are automatically entered into the Kindergarten Year Two (Senior) program.  

Step 1

Visit dcdsb.ca and enrol your child through the online application process. For questions about registration or the application process, email our Admissions department.

Step 2

Call your local Catholic school to make an appointment and complete your registration. Documents needed to complete registration

To complete the registration process, parents/guardians are asked to present the following documentation to their local Catholic school:

• Proof of age (Baptismal Certificate/Birth Certificate / Birth Registration or Passport);
• Proof of Religious Denomination (Baptismal Certificate of child or parent/ guardian); and
• Health Records (Immunization, allergies, etc.)

Resources

The following resources are available to help parents and guardians support a child's transition into Kindergarten.

• DCDSB Welcome to Kindergarten Guide
• Doing Mathematics with your Child, K-6, A Parent Guide
• Full Day Kindergarten a Question and Answer Guide for Parents
• Full Day Kindergarten - Question and Answer Guide for Parents
• Reading and Writing with Your Child, K-6, A Parent Guide
• The Extended Day Program - Full Day Early Learning - Kindergarten
• The Full Day Early Learning - Kindergarten Program
• Your Preschool Child's Speech and Language Development
• Kids Can 

Four learning areas       

The Kindergarten Program is based on four broad learning areas - Belonging and Contributing, Self-Regulations and Well-Being, Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematic Behaviours, and Problem Solving and Innovating.

These areas focus on aspects of learning that are critical to your child's development.  They also reflect the integrated way in which your child will learn through play and inquiry in our classrooms. Adapted from The Kindergarten Program 2016 (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2016, p. 8)